*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, who commends the thriving healthy competition in the country鈥檚 telecoms industry, says 鈥榦ur state of readiness is very high鈥�

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Sequel to recent disclosure by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, regarding the Nigerian Government鈥檚 position on deployment of 5G networks in the country, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said the telecoms regulator is ready activate the government鈥檚 decision in this regard.

Prof. Danbatta has also lauded the thriving healthy competition in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, which he said has reduced the prices of data in the country.

The NCC EVC/CEO, who fielded questions from Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, mni, new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, during a presentation Wednesday, August 25, 2021, in Abuja, FCT, observed that the Commission as a Federal agency has always aligned its position and plan with the Federal Government.

The telecoms regulatory Commission said that the EVC鈥檚 presentation touched on the enabling laws and mandates of NCC, its structure as well his scorecards among others.

Danbatta stated: 鈥淥n the 5G, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has spoken about the Federal Government鈥檚 position to deploy as soon as possible.

鈥淥ur state of readiness is very high. There鈥檚 an Auction Committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready. As you know, without a plan you cannot have a successful deployment.鈥�

鈥淎ll we are asking is additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government鈥檚 approval to go ahead with the auctions.鈥�

While intimating Mr. Nabasu with the Commission鈥檚 forthcoming book launch, scheduled for early next month, the EVC noted that the book, which is technical in nature, will provide more insight into the workings of the telecoms regulator under his watch.

鈥淚 have spoken about the first Strategic Vision Plan (SVP), comprising 8 agenda items. The SVP has come to the end, and we have written a book providing documented progress we have made while implementing it.

鈥淚 am pleased to inform you that the book will be unveiled on 7th September, 2021,鈥� said he.

Danbatta also commended Dr. Pantami for his efforts at resolving some of the perennial challenges in the industry, especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges.

The NCC CEO urged governments at every level in Nigeria to respect the resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the harmonised RoW charges so as to enable the industry to continue to grow and prosper.

He further stated: 鈥淭he Commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandate, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development.

鈥淚t鈥檚 our belief also that the communications industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space.鈥�